Premier League English

Pogba set to make first start against Sheffield United since regaining fitness

Manchester United, eager to get back to winning ways, is back in action again this midweek when they come up on Wednesday against a sprightly and sturdy Sheffield United side. All bets are on that this would be an exciting clash United isn’t expecting any fresh injury concerns.

“Yeah. We don’t have any other injury issues. I think they all managed to get through the game. They were tired towards the end, some of them, but we’ve got another 90 minutes under our belt and we’re ready to go again,” United boss Solskjaer told Stewart Gardner in the pre-team update.

There are expected to be no changes in defence despite the likes of Maguire and Lindelof struggling aginst Ancelloti’s side on Friday. And although Eric Bailly was introduced in the closing stages of the game, he is an unlikely starter for the encounter against Sheffield United, having played very little football for the year.

Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka should also be featuring in defense operating as the two full-backs, while David de Gea will be retaining his place in goal despite the hiccups encountered in the previous match.

Manchester United seemed to be lacking some support from their fans in the last game, and this was reflected in their performance. Moreover despite this being a home fixture, playing in the empty Old Trafford theatre of dreams could be a bit surreal for the players.

Solskjaer is himself, rather optimistic however, stating that,

“It’s a different way of playing and is a different mental challenge. It might be more relaxing for some but it’s very different. Maybe, when you’re at home and you’re struggling, you struggle with the home fans on your back. But we’ll miss out on the fans because I’ve never heard more supportive fans.”

Manchester United certainly looks like a more accomplished side with the emergence of star player Paul Pogba, albeit for only the concluding minutes of the previous game where he played a key role behind the club’s turnaround in the second half, notably securing the penalty that led to Bruno Fernades’ equaliser.

Going further forward, Solskjaer does have much more options. But, the Norwegian could retain his three-man setup, with Marcus Rashford and Daniel James operating from the flanks and Anthony Martial spearheading the offensive line. Odion Ighalo serves as an alternative for the Frenchman, who was pretty ineffective against Spurs. Mason Greenwood will be a backup option as well.